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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Jessie Fearon Armstrong

Author: Jessie Fearon Armstrong (1845–1938)

Biography: Jessie Fearon Armstrong was born on 25 March 1845 in Camberwell, the daughter of Thomas Armstrong and Elizabeth Ann Gardner. Her large family moved across the river during her childhood. She was one of a gifted family, at least two of her sisters performed and taught music. In the 1880s, Armstrong began a successful career as an author of juvenile fiction, mostly for the Religious Tract Society. However, by 1891, she struggled to support her widowed mother and ailing sister and applied successfully to the Royal Literary Fund. She would receive additional support over the next decade. She lived a long life, dying in 1938.

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1911); RLF (case number 2371)

Fiction Titles:

  1. "There's a Friend for Little Children": A Story.  1 vol.  London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1884.
  2. Climbing Higher.  1 vol.  London: J. F. Shaw, 1886.
  3. Griggie's Pilgrimage: or, Heaven is my Home.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1887.
  4. Sybil and Dave: or, The Little Comforter.  1 vol.  London: Houlston and Co., 1887.
  5. Ernest and Ida: or, Christmas at Montagu House.  1 vol.  London: Houlston and Co., 1888.
  6. "Lost! Stolen! or Strayed!": A Story of London Life.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1888.
  7. A Shadow on the Threshold: or, "A Little Leaven".  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1889.
  8. For the King and the Cross: A Story for Girls.  1 vol.  London: T. Woolmer, 1889.
  9. Frank Horton's Heritage: or, A Yoke of Bondage.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1889.
  10. Not Like Other Folks: A City Story.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1890.
  11. From Out the Past: A Story.  1 vol.  London: Houlston and Co., 1892.
  12. Westminster Chimes.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1893.
  13. St. Mervyn's.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1893.
  14. Kitty Landon's Girlhood: A Story.  1 vol.  London: Jarrold and Son, 1896.
  15. Through Rosamund's Eyes: A Story of the Seventeenth Century.  1 vol.  London: Jarrold and Son, 1898.
  16. No. 6. Victoria Ward.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1900.
  17. My Friend Anne: A Story of the Sixteenth Century.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1901.